Making a start...

lil.mouse

Thanks, wantabetterlife and setmefree2.
I don't think we'll manage such a large OP in July and Aug as we've got a few bits to buy for the house and a holiday. We'll have to see what we have left over.
I'm finding it better to break down the total of the mortgage. When I look that we owe so much - it's quite scary. So next challenge will be to get it under 180000. It just seems a bit more realistic. But we're doing well, alot of friends have interest only mortgages and don't consider OPing.

StuartGMC

LM
Well done on the progress and the attitude to clearing the mortgage. You asked about OP and/or offset above; I would recommend a combined approach, using the offset to get your savings requirements in place e.g. a holiday and of course maximise the benefit you get by offsetting the current account too. Many people can overlook this but if you have an average balance of £1000 in it then at 4% that's £40 saved in interest in a year alone - much more than the interest you'd earn on the current account. Use the credit card for everything and now with Faster-Payments you can pay it very close to the due date in full.

Tesco_points_addict

Well done lm xxxxxxxxxxxxx

lil.mouse

Right, for the last couple of days I have been reading lots of diaries and trying to get motivated again. I seem to be all or nothing and as we have had to buy bits and bobs, it has been nothing!! Saying that we still have paid the £100 per month OP.
It's been encourging to read lots of new posts where people also owe lots - glad it's not just us! The area we live in is so expensive.
After our hols my next aim is to try and cut the food budget - we seem to spend alot. Been looking at the old style board for tips.
Also may try the £10 a day challenge on DFW - with OT hopefully this will be achievable. Also must e bay!!!
Need to pull my finger out if I want to get below £175000 by March!! (Would love to be MF in 10 years!!)


x x

lil.mouse

Yay, DH has saved us £480 a year on house and phone insurance!!
Next on the list is to sort out gas / elec, they are going to up our bills to nearly double? DH is going to do monthly readings. I need to do something now!!

StuartGMC

LM
Do get your consumption data for the past year in kWh so you can do correct comparisons of suppliers, don't rely on the direct debit sum. In September I'll decide whether to get out of the fixed prices we have to 2011 or not; need a full 12 month on the tarrifs and to look at the gas futures etc as we incur £100 to get out of the fix. Best wishes in all your activities!